3 Stupid things that can wreck an otherwise excellent calibration

The top three calibration issues listed below aren’t new problems, but in our experience, they are definitely issues we have to be diligent about.

Not looking at the Customer requirements

Transcription Errors

Inadequate checks of your reference standards

Not looking at the Customer’s Requirements:

Unfortunately, this happens. Sometimes, if the device has built-in memory where the information exists, you can take a step back and adjust to the original calibration. But, with most instruments, once you’ve adjusted, you can’t go back. Nightmarish situation, especially if you are also failing at Stupid Thing #3.

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Any manual process comes with the risk of human error. It’s easy to put the decimal in the wrong spot. There are two main safeguards: 1. Put checks in place. Look at the results carefully to see if they are realistic, and, 2. Automate processes as much as you can to eliminate data entry.

Inadequate Reference Standard Checks:

Obviously, reference standards drift too. The quality of your standards depends on your knowledge of the uncertainties of the device – the type of instrument, how susceptible it is to drift, your own operating environment, etc. Measurement and calibration are simply not meaningful without understanding the measurement uncertainties of your standard.

Author

Janice Bennett-Livingston

In addition to editing the Vaisala Life Science blog, Janice Bennett-Livingston is the Global Life Science Marketing Manager for Vaisala's Industrial Measurements business area.

Pre-Vaisala writing credits include a monthly column called "Research Watch" for Canada's award-winning magazine alive, as well as articles in Canadian Living and other periodicals. Other past work: copywriting for DDB Canada, technical writing at Business Objects, and communications specialist for the British Columbia Child & Family Research Institute.